There and There

By Florence May

A million years ago Mars is in the final death throes as a livable planet. a young boy Ingy,
his small sister Zesuva, board a Martian spaceship to leave Mars forever, where did they go? Dimitry, his brother and a friend enter the library at night and remove as many books, manuscripts and papyrus scrolls. The next day the library and all it’s contents and hidden are burnt to the ground by the mob Why?. Kurt is away in Jordan on an Archeology hunt, one night he knocks on Chris and Ruth’s door and tells them an incredible story about magical outwordly papyrus scrolls that have been in existence for thousands of years before Jesus Christ was born. Join Florance May as she takes the reader on the science fiction adventure of a lifetime in the tradition of Asimov & Bradbury.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Florence May
• Release date: Sep 7, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310055256

Book preview

THERE AND THERE

MARS

Million years ago

Published by Florence May at Smashwords

Copyright 2014, Florence May

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PROLOGUE

The long narrow underground tunnel was filled to capacity with mostly young adults and their children. The young girl of about ten, tears streaming down her cheeks, clung close to her brother. What are we going to do without our dear ones? She sobbed. Zesuya, you know they are old they cannot come only the young and children are allowed He wiped the tears from her face. "They would be unhappy to know you are upset - - he broke off as a strange rumbling sound groaned through the tunnel, the ground shifted slightly, Zesuya clung ever closer to her brother Ingy.

Ingy’s boyish round face, eyes the color of cobalt grey and greenish hair thought about his protectors and how they had loved and taken care of him and Zesuya. Tears stung his eyes at the thought of never seeing them again, he hadn’t wanted to leave but his dear ones insisted that he must leave before it was too late. It was his duty to take care of his little sister, To keep her safe they said. It was a promise he had made to his dear ones that nothing but his death could ever break the sacred trust that had been placed on him.

The man in the blue uniform walked up and down the line speaking in a loud voice, tinged with fear, as he repeated over and over, Keep moving if you don’t want to be left behind, we have to leave soon, keep moving, keep moving Ingy holding tight to Zesuya’s hand could see the huge oblong Martian spaceship at the end of the tunnel with people pouring up the ramp and disappearing into the massive opening. It was their turn and still holding tight to his little sister he entered the spaceship and gasped with astonishment at the monstrous three level interior. The attendant directed them to the third level where he and Zesuya were glad to finally sit down on the soft cushioned seats.

The ship began to shake and roll as another earthquake longer and far stronger rumbled through the tunnel. As the Martian space ship began to rise, the roof of the tunnel opened exposing the ominous Martian sky, red and black. Cyclonic winds grabbed at the huge spaceship causing it to momentarily tilt back toward the ground, the pilot and his helper’s desperately worked to keep the ship on course. Children screamed and cried as the huge Martian ship battled to climb higher.

Lightning flashes that never stopped along with sheets of rain and hail combined with the cyclonic winds smashing against the windows filled Ingy with a terrifying fear that the rain was trying to tear out the windows and enter the ship. He held Zesuva tighter as she screamed and buried her head against his shoulder. Ingy looking at the moving display on the front of the space ship’s wall, watched in horror and disbelief at the ongoing destruction of his beloved Mars, ocean’s, lakes, rivers being sucked out of the ground as were buildings, dwellings, trees, even the earth which he had walked upon. Ingy knew no one on Mars was alive, his grandparents and all other living beings were now walking in Paradise with the Gods of Mars.

The spaceship rose ever higher and higher, Ingy saw from his window other Martian spaceships all hovering in space, and Ingy knew in his heart that they too were watching the destruction and end of their beloved Mars. One by one the Martian space ships veered off and left forever.

Mars became a dead planet destined to circle the Sun and watched curiously by the beings on earth and other planets yet unknown.

CHAPTER 1:

THE ROYAL LIBRARY:

Dimetry stood beside the throne his mind reeling unable to comprehend the words that were being spoken by this Christian Archbishop, he listened in horror as Archbishop Theophilus, his hands outstretched voice rising in a strident tone demanded that the Emperor must listen to the voice and will of the populace telling him that he must agree right now, this very night, to erase and destroy forever these heathen writings from the face of the earth. If he, Theodius the Great, wished to save his own soul then it was imperative that everything must be destroyed and burnt immediately Theophilus his brow furrowed and hands flailing the air shouted, The people will no longer tolerate the corruption of our youth, it`s your duty to protect the pure and simple minded from these abominable books and manuscripts. With a heavy heart Dimetry heard Emperor Theodius finally agree, and give in to the demands of the Archbishop. Later that same night, Dimetry, along with his brother and a friend, secretly slipped inside the magnificent Temple of Serapis and working throughout the night they collected as many of the scrolls, manuscripts and books that they could possibly carry away before dawn broke over Alexandria. The mob roared as they watched the piles of manuscripts and books piling ever higher in front of them. Burn them--Burn themwas the screaming chant. Archbishop Theophilus standing in front of the Temple of Jupiter Serapis, arms folded, watched in silent satisfaction as the mob, now completely out of control, screamed and tore century’s old history books, scrolls, and other precious treasures, ripping, smashing, throwing the destruction they wrought onto a monstrous bonfire that lit up the night sky. Theophilus told himself not one of these heathen temples with their satanic treasures would be left standing by the time he got through with them. The Roman soldiers stared in stunned silence as they watched the mob of fanatic Christians gone mad, running through the temples destroying everything in sight, but they had their orders from the Emperor himself, Theodius the Great, not to interfere on pain of death.

THE ACCIDENT:

Lisa sat with her picnic basket laid out before her on the grassy knoll, thinking to herself what a glorious day this was. She was glad she had made that snap decision to take the week off and fly here to this little village in Connecticut; it was one of her favorite places. From where she sat she could see the green fields laid out before her spattered here and there with the first few sprinkles of flowers that were now trying to lift up their heads from the spring rain that had fell early that morning. Soon the fields would be covered with flowers that would burst forth in all their glory till the summer heat finally beat them down into the ground. The sky was an endless blue with just a few wispy clouds here and there. In the near distance she could see, between a stand of trees, sections of what looked to be a beautiful old farmhouse. She reached into the basket for the final dainty sandwich the hotel was famous for when you paid for a luncheon basket. Lisa munched in silent satisfaction savoring every bite. Reaching for a pickle she thought to herself, I’m twenty-six, I`ve a pretty good job, I’m not bad looking, so what’s wrong why am I so depressed? She thought about the fact that Cliff and her had decided to call it quits and instinctively knew that wasn’t why she was depressed. They had both really never had anything in common with each other and she was glad that it was over. It had become--what--yes that was it--boring; there was no other word to explain how she felt. Once the passion had died, and that passion had passed quickly, they had absolutely nothing in common. They didn’t even like the same things, so it certainly wasn’t because she and Cliff weren’t together anymore. In fact she had been happy when Cliff agreed with her they should each go their separate ways. She sighed, maybe Jean was right, and she needed an adventure, a fling with a handsome man, one who would sweep her off her feet.

The sound of horses’ hoofs interrupted her thoughts. She watched with interest as the horse came rapidly across the field, clearing hedges and ditches with comparative ease, the rider crouched low on the horse’s back. The horse flashed by to her left and she turned her head watching the horse and rider. From where she sat she had a clear view of a high hedge and the ditch behind the hedge with a large fallen tree stump laying in the ditch. At that moment the horse leaped into the air clearing the hedge, only to hit his fore legs on the stump, he fell with a sickening thump a thump Lisa could clearly hear from where she sat watching high on the knoll. The rider flew out of the saddle Oh no Lisa jumped up and began to run down the hill to the spot where both horse and rider lay. The horse was twitching desperately and Lisa could tell it was in a great deal of pain, it was unable to rise. The rider had been flung across the ditch with his face down in the grass. Lisa ran over to where he lay not moving. He was a tall well-built man and Lisa mustering all the strength within her, rolled him over. His face was covered with dirt, blood oozing out of a bad cut on his forehead and running down his face. Lisa wondered if he was dead, she put her head to his chest and listened, a strong steady beat assured her that he was very much alive. She ran back up the knoll to where her picnic basket lay, grabbed the water canister, the small linen tablecloth and napkins that the hotel had added to her basket and then back down the knoll to where the rider still lay unconscious. Kneeling beside him Lisa saturated the napkin with water then gently began to wash the blood from his face. Ripping the tablecloth she folded a strip into a pad placing it over the cut on his forehead. Lifting his head she placed another long strip around his head tying it into a knot on the side, he stirred slightly and moaned. Soaking the cloth napkin with water she pressed the napkin to his lips then taking the canister and holding his head in her arms she attempted to sprinkle a few drops of water into his mouth, the water trickled down his chin and Lisa wasn’t sure whether any of the water had gone into his mouth. She had to get help and wondered out loud, What should I do, should I just leave him here? Early that morning she had parked her car way back on the country road and had hiked into the little wooded grassy knoll. Lisa remembering the farmhouse she had seen in the distance figured that it would take her just as long to go there as it would to hike back to her car. She reasoned to herself that once she reached the farmhouse they would most certainly have a telephone and be able to help her. It was obvious she would have to take a chance and leave him. His head had been cradled in her lap and now she attempted to gently lay him back onto the grass, he began to stir again and then opened his eyes. Lisa, speaking in a stern voice told him, Lay still. You’ve had a pretty nasty accident, don’t move. He didn’t answer but stared at her with glassy eyes. She dabbed his head again with the soggy napkin and felt sure she was going to throw up, running up and down that knoll, seeing all this blood. The poor horse laying on his side with nostril’s flaring whinnying in terror. Lisa knew she couldn’t be sick now; she had to keep her head. Speaking out loud to the injured man she said, Listen, can you hear me, I have to go and fetch someone to help you and your horse. There’s a farmhouse back there-- The rider began to struggle to get up, No, no, you should lay still she said. But he grabbed a hold of her arm and was struggling to regain his feet. Lisa, helping as best as she could, lent him her support. She was slightly built and not that tall, barely five feet four inches, but between the two of them, he managed to get to his feet. Now that he was on his feet Lisa thought if he was able to walk then just maybe they could make it to the farmhouse. If I help you could you manage to walk? There was no answer. Here, put your arm around my neck and we’ll have a try. Taking his right arm she placed it around her neck, putting her left arm around his waist she took a step forward. He didn’t budge; she almost tripped and fell from the motion of moving forward while he stood there at a complete dead stop. Pointing toward a large log laying on the ground in front of them she said, Would you rather sit here while I go and fetch help? Eyes barely open he shook his head no. All right then, let’s try this again Lisa moved her foot and this time the rider leaning heavily on her lurched forward. They moved away from the ditch, found an opening in the hedge and agonizingly crawled along at a snail’s pace. She thought I’ll never be able to make it, he’s too heavy for me. Out loud she said, We must rest for a while. The fallen log lay on the ground nearby. Lisa, with difficulty, steered him toward it and helped him to sit down, she sat next to him glad of the opportunity to rest. The afternoon sun had become much warmer, the only sound to be heard was a meadow lark singing his high trilling tone. Lisa watching the stranger who sat with eyes closed, deathly white thought, he could be seriously hurt, he probably shouldn’t be walking. I can travel much faster if I don’t have to drag him along, the man’s a dead weight. I better take off for the farm by myself. Speaking out loud she said I’ve been thinking, why don’t you rest here and I’ll run to that farmhouse that’s ahead of us and bring some help. She was startled by his reaction, his eyes flew open and he vehemently said NO Then he closed his eyes again and all was silent as Lisa sat next to him on the log listening to the meadow lark and the drone of an airplane high up in the sky. Finally he spoke in almost a whisper Let’s try again--I’ll be fine With Lisa’s help he struggled to his feet. This time without any help from her, he put his arm around her neck. He seemed steadier on his feet than before. They set off. It seemed like endless hours to Lisa, the farm seemed to be an interminable distance away, much further than she had thought that morning. They struggled across field after field in the afternoon heat stopping over and over to rest as together they crawled along never seeing a soul. Lisa could now see the farm quiet close, close enough that she felt she could start shouting and someone might hear her. Help, help, someone please help. She shouted. A woman came walking out of the door then began to run toward them, a man appeared behind her, standing there as if hesitating, then he to begin to run in their direction. The woman called, Chris, Chris what’s happened, what’s the matter. The man and woman both reached their side at the same time and Lisa was so glad to see them that she almost burst into tears. The man took a hold of Chris and the woman grabbed him from the other side. Lisa, now that the dead weight had been lifted from her, stumbled along behind them feeling very glad that her two feet were now moving along only for her. The woman turned her head calling to Lisa to follow them into the house. Inside the house was cool, Lisa slumped into a chair while the man and woman helping the injured man, called Chris, disappeared into another room closing the door behind them. Lisa sat with eyes closed, resting, and the ticking of the clock soothing to her ears. She sat there in the cool room slowly regaining her strength, and for a moment even dozed off. Opening her eyes Lisa looked around the room. It was a lovely room, large diamond pained glass windows overlooking the fields she had been enjoying that very morning sitting on the grassy knoll. Lisa sighed, the morning now seemed an eternity ago. A high ceiling with heavy wooden beams, peg and grooved wood floor with two large multi-colored wool throw rugs on the floor. A large old brick fireplace sat on one side of the room with a heavy wood mantle upon which sat the clock that had set her nerves to rest. The furnishings extremely tasteful. Two overstuffed chairs on either side of the window and a small round table between the chairs. A bookcase on one side of the wall went from floor to ceiling. In the middle of the room was another round table, larger than the other table and scattered with papers and books. The overstuffed chair Lisa was sitting in was set by the side of the fireplace and felt very comfortable to the weary Lisa. Another small square table sat close to the chair. The furniture seemed rather sparse for this large room. The door through which everyone had disappeared, remained closed. Thoughts came flooding back to her, the horse, Oh My God, The Horse. Jumping up from the chair she went over to the closed door and knocked. There was silence, not a sound. What should I do her hand began to move toward the doorknob a voice behind her said, Is there something I can do for you? Lisa swung around to see a man standing inside the door that had been left open. He was an older man with graying hair, slightly plump. Hi  I’m Dr. Marlin, you must be the young lady that helped Chris. Yes I am, she answered. Her face turning red she began to tell him due to all the excitement she had forgotten to inform someone about the fallen horse. I don’t know how I could have been so stupid someone needs to go and help that poor, poor horse. Don’t worry the horse has been taken care of. Marlin said speaking in a soothing voice. Ruth called and told me about the accident and said she had to contact the veterinarian. I wouldn’t worry about the horse I feel sure the vet’s taken care of him. But, how about you? I understand you practically carried Chris all by yourself. Smiling he continued That’s quiet a feat for someone your size, are you okay? Oh  I’m fine I just need to rest. You’re sure? Lisa nodded her head. Well, I have to see to my patient why you don’t just make yourself comfortable. I’ll send Ruth in to see you and set your mind at rest about the horse. With that he went through the door, the door that Lisa had just been about to open, and firmly closed it behind him. Lisa turning now looked through the open study door into the garden where roses were in full bloom. Beyond the garden she could see the fields’ that she had traversed with the injured Chris that afternoon. Where had the doctor come from? She hadn’t heard a car approaching, she couldn’t see a driveway, she reasoned to herself that this must obviously be the back entrance to the house. Why did the doctor come in the back way? Maybe he had just wanted to see how she felt. Lisa sat back down in the chair, she would like to know if the young man was all right before she left. The house was silent except for the ticking of the clock. Where was everybody, it was almost as though there was no one else in the house. The doctor had arrived half an hour ago and still she had not seen a sign of anyone. Lisa began to feel uncomfortable, she was beginning to feel like an intruder. I should leave--she told herself--it’s getting late. I’ve got to go back for the picnic basket and hike back to my car. The afternoon sun’s long rays were beginning to stretch out across the fields, she didn’t wish to hike back there in the dark. The door opened and the woman who had ran out to meet her and Chris entered. She began to apologize saying, I’m so sorry, you must think we’re terribly rude to have left you alone for so long. Please forgive us, everyone was so concerned about Chris. After calling the doctor, we had to contact the veterinarian and make the horrible decision to put Chris’s horse down. He is going to freak out when he finds out, Mitzy was his favorite. I thought Kurt had come and informed you of what happened and he thought I had. She sighed I’m really sorry Lisa rose from her chair, Oh  please don’t apologize, I understand. How is he, Chris, - is that his name? The woman nodded Yes, his name’s Chris, he’s going to be fine. Dr. Marlin said he has a slight concussion and a broken ankle. Thanks to you he’s going to be fine She stretched out her hand This is ridiculous I don’t even know your name? Mine’s Ruth, Ruth Winters, and we`re deeply grateful to you for your help today. Lisa took her hand I’m Lisa Turner, I’m staying in the village for a few days. I’m here for rest and relaxation she laughed... Ruth laughed with her Well I guess you’re not getting much R&R. Would you care for something to drink? Until Ruth had asked Lisa hadn’t realized just how thirsty she was I`d love a cold glass of water, then I really have to be getting back. I left my car off the Wood Bridge Creek Road and my picnic things are still sitting on the top of Old Pike Knoll, I don’t want to hike back there in the dark. Ruth replied, Don’t worry, I’ll send someone there to pick it up first thing in the morning, Kurt will drive you back to your car Excuse me for a moment, while I get you something to drink Turning she left by the same door closing it firmly behind her. Ruth soon returned carrying a tray with refreshments and a pitcher of ice lemonade. Lisa drank a full glass barely stopping to catch her breath. I never realized how thirsty I was. Thanks. Ruth filled her glass again and motioned to Lisa to sit down. Taking a chair next to Lisa she asked, How did you see the accident? Lisa filled her in with the details, how she had hiked into Old Pike Knoll and had been having lunch when the accident occurred. How she had run up and down the knoll and the long trek to the farmhouse You’ll never know how glad I was when you and the other man came out and helped. I was just about to collapse That was Kurt. Ruth replied We saw you both struggling along from the study here, we didn’t know what on earth had happened. We had the fright of our lives  where are you staying in the village we have to bring Chris in to see the doctor tomorrow and we’ll drop off your basket. Lisa replied Oh I’m at the Bedford Inn, the basket isn’t mine it belongs to the hotel. It`s really nice of you to offer but you don’t have to bother. I can run up there in the morning and fetch it myself. But Ruth insisted that they would take care of it, That’s the least we can do. Ruth, seemed to be somewhere in her late twenties or early thirties. She had a glorious head of dark auburn curls which framed a beautiful porcelain face her eyes were a dark steely gray and even when she laughed her eyes did not, they were cold, icy cold. Lisa didn’t know why, but she felt ill at ease, she rose from the chair saying It really is getting late and I must be leaving. I’m so glad to hear that there is nothing seriously wrong with Chris Ruth smiled at her, Well nothing that the doctor could find at this point, he’s taking X-rays of Chris tomorrow he really feels that he’ll be fine except for his broken ankle, and of course, the fact that he’s going to feel like hell when he wakes up. Again thanks so much for taking time to help Chris, he could still be laying out there if it hadn’t been for you. I’ll tell Kurt you’re ready to leave, he’ll drive you to your car, goodbye then. With that she left the room closing the door behind her. The shadows were lengthening in the room the light was fading fast, Lisa’s eyes wandered around the room and came to rest on the round table, she noticed books laying there and walked over to the table in idle curiosity. Standing there she noticed a large map opened on the table with other papers that were spread out on top of the map, along with four or more other books. The books were bound in thick leather with titles that she couldn’t understand. She glanced at one of the books whose title seemed to be in English, the room was definitely becoming darker. She made out the words mid-east--something, she couldn’t make out the rest of the title, and she reached out to pick up the book. Hello, Lisa, I’m Kurt. Startled, she withdrew her hand and turned to see the tall man who had rushed out to the fields that afternoon and relieved her of her burden. Oh hello she answered and walked forward to meet and shake the hand that he held out to her. The deepening shadows made it difficult for Lisa to really see Kurt but somehow she had the same uneasy feeling that she had experienced with Ruth Don’t be ridiculous she told herself as she shook the hand that he held out to her. Ruth tells me you’re ready to leave and asked me to give you a lift over to Woodbridge Creek. I understand that’s where your car is parked. Yes, I left it there this morning. I’m ready, thank you. Kurt liked what he saw Come on then. Kurt led the way around a brick path which wound its way to the front of the farmhouse. This was not the usual farmhouse where farmers worked hard for a living but more of a gentleman’s farm house, one you could look at and know instinctively reeked of money. It seemed to Lisa, following behind Kurt, that no one around there lifted a finger to do regular farm chores, she wondered why in the world he never took her through the house to the front door, the door to the study seemed to be the only door that was being used to go in or out of. Lisa’s view of the farmhouse that morning from the knoll, which now seemed ages ago, encompassed only the back and stumbling toward it holding up the hurt Chris that afternoon, was hardly the time to stand and appreciate in any way the architecture of this beautiful old farmhouse.

The evening shadows only showed the outline of the two-story building. There were no lights shining anywhere in the farmhouse. Kurt, leading the way made another turn and they were now in front of the farmhouse. In the driveway was an old Mercedes, and a Cadillac. Lisa idly thought the Cadillac belonged to the doctor; he looked like he would own a Cadillac. Kurt led the way to the Mercedes and opened the passenger door for her. Closing the door he walked around to the driver’s side, climbed in and buckled on his seat belt then started the car, if as a signal, a light went on in one of the upstairs rooms. As Kurt began to drive the car down the driveway Lisa looked up at where the light had come on and saw a woman standing at the window looking down on the drive, she was sure that it was Ruth. Kurt began speaking, Poor Chris, he`s had a rough day, he could`ve broken his neck He`s real lucky that you were sitting there watching the whole thing and brought him back to the farm. Changing the subject he asked her where she was from, Lisa answered that she lived in New York. The car lights swept along the darkened country road and Lisa leaned back and closed her eyes, she’d be glad to get back to her room and lay and soak in a nice hot tub. Kurt who had kept up a constant conversation became a little more silent, realizing he was doing all the talking and there was not much response from the other side. OK we’re here, Woodbridge Creek, where’s your car? He asked. Lisa pointed down the road Just a little further, it’s parked under a tree. The car moved slowly along the country road. The car lights cut through the shadows, searching, and then there it was, the Taurus, just where Lisa had left it that morning. Kurt stopped the car and climbed out. Lisa jumped out anxious to get to her car and leave. Reaching into the little bag tied around her waist for the keys she walked to the car with Kurt walking beside her. Opening the car door she turned around and found Kurt standing very close to her. Her heart beating a little faster she thanked him again for driving her to her car then held out her hand to say goodnight. Kurt took it but made no attempt to shake her hand, instead pressing her hand tightly in his he asked, May I see you again, will you have dinner with me tomorrow evening. Lisa wanted to leave, she was nervous standing on this deserted country road with a man she didn’t know. Why don’t you give me a call tomorrow afternoon at my hotel? I’m so tired, this has been an incredible day for me. Her answer seemed to satisfy him, he shook her hand and said that of course she must be, Really worn out." She climbed into her car saying goodnight, turning on the engine and lights she turned the car around and drove back down the country road. Kurt stood there watching the car lights disappear a little smile playing around his lips. He climbed back into his car, turned it around, and headed back to the farmhouse.

Ruth watched the car lights move down the drive and out onto the country road her face frowning. Damn it--she muttered to herself-- Why did this have to happen now. She turned from the window to look again at Chris. He seemed to be asleep. She wondered if it was all right for him to sleep with a concussion. Walking to the door she opened it quietly and decided to leave it open in case he called, dimming the light she left the room. Ruth walked into the kitchen; Paul Marlin was leaning against the cupboard drinking a cup of coffee. She walked over to the coffee pot and poured herself a cup adding a little cream and stirring slowly she said Is it all right for Chris to sleep now, Paul? Marlin replied Yes, but to be on the safe side you should keep a close watch on him, maybe you and Kurt could take turns sitting with him tonight, just in case. I’m pretty sure it’s only a mild concussion. It’s his ankle’s that’s the problem. It`s going to take some time to heal. If everything is all right tonight, I want you to bring him in to my office tomorrow first thing. Thank God, it isn’t more serious than it is, he could’ve been killed. Ruth agreed with Marlin that Chris had been pretty lucky under the circumstances I hope that’s all that’s wrong with him, this really is a piece of bad luck, we didn’t need this right now she said. Marlin nodded his head, Well, I’m pretty sure there’s nothing else that`s seriously wrong but the X-rays will tell me for sure tomorrow. The conversation was interrupted by the appearance of Kurt in the door way, asking how Chris was feeling. He strode to the coffee pot to pour himself a cup. Sleeping Ruth answered Did you find that young woman’s car all right? Kurt answered with a grin Yup, she’s a very beautiful little thing, I’d like to see more of her with a wink in Paul Marlin’s direction. Kurt Ruth snapped Don’t start getting any ideas. Did she say anything to you at all, about anything? Nope, nothing of interest, she said she was tired and wanted to go to bed. He stirred his coffee with a teaspoon and remembered, You know, there was one thing I noticed when I walked into the study, she was standing over at the table. I don’t think she`d touched anything, she was just looking. Then almost as an afterthought he added, Although she did jump when I came in. Kurt gave himself an inward pat on the back, That’ll give her something to worry about, where’s she get off telling me what I can or can’t do in front of him. The heavy silence was broken by Paul Was there anything of interest on the table? Ruth stared at Paul and then said, "Unfortunately, yes. Everything happened so